Massimo’s – Dubai Marina

Massimo’s is an authentic Italian restaurant and pizzeria on the other, less busy side of Dubai Marina Walk. If driving there (advisable in this weather) it’s best to park in visitor’s parking area of the Park Island Residence where the restaurant is located; there are signs just outside the parking area which will guide you down to The Walk and the restaurant. My first thought on entering Massimo’s was how much its high-ceilinged interior reminded me of the foyer area of a building. Modern and clean it may be, cosy it certainly is not. At this time of year however all that really matters is how well the a/c work and theirs works perfectly.

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I had been wanting to visit Massimo’s for a very long time and was not disappointed; the food is very, very good. Stand outs for me were the perfectly cooked and seasoned sea bass fillets with asparagus and potato as well as the insanely delicious pappardelle with porcini and truffle sauce, closely followed by the tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and shrimps. Although Massimo’s is also a pizzeria, we found it hard to order pizza when there was so much else to order from in the menu. That said, one of us did get a margarita which was okay but…let’s just say that I wouldn’t come here for the pizza alone.

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The Filipino tag team looking after our table were super friendly and infinitely accommodating. All of us enjoyed our meals and left happily stuffed. Massimo’s is definitely one of the better non hotel or mall based Italian restaurants in town. The fact that it’s unlicensed is a bummer, not an impediment. Prices are on the higher side but reasonable considering the excellent quality and presentation. My only disappointment is having not visited them earlier. Don’t make my mistake.

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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.